Help! Ann Arbor Venue

airkloske

Help! I live out of town but am trying to plan an Ann Arbor wedding. I want to have it somewhere unexpected and unique, somewhere where we can bring in outside caterers and preferably somewhere with outdoor space. I am having trouble finding any resources for unconvenional venues that fit our requirements and guest list (150). All the places that seemed promising, such as Cobblestone Farms and Misty Farms are all booked up through 2012. All the places that would be nice, such as the Botanical Gardens, the City Club or the Earhart Manor do not allow outside catering. I love the River Birch lodge but I am set on having the wedding in Ann Arbor, not in Hartland, Birmingham, Detroit or Royal Oak, etc. Any suggestions?

Meg1036

I'm from Ann Arbor, and while someone may know of your perfect venue, this seems like a pretty steep list of requirements to me.  Cobblestone and Misty are the only locations I can think of, other than pubic parks, that allow outside catering in Ann Arbor.  One possibility might be the old Leopold Brother's space on South Main Street; I know they rent it out, but I don't know about the catering details (and there is no outdoor space).

bitsi420

Leopold Brothers would be a nice spot but it would be tough for your guests to find parking that is close. And I could've sworn that the botanical gardens allowed outside catering, but I guess not. Theres's a place in Saline which is maybe 10 min south of ann arbor called stone arch that has preferred caterers. Maybe you could work something out with them.  www.stonearchevents.com Also you might want to look into some of the campus buildings. Maybe Concourse hall.  http://www.aactmad.org/concourse/details.html I found that place by on google. Here's the website for multiple event venues.  http://www.eventective.com/USA/Michigan/Ann+Arbor/Wedding-Receptions.html

I hope this helps.

drewmw

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_ann-arbor-venue?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:738cb24c-5722-4862-bc06-9077b2281e90Post:77f98bd9-f5f9-430b-9bfa-b46dd9a03338">Re: Help! Ann Arbor Venue</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm from Ann Arbor, and while someone may know of your perfect venue, this seems like a pretty steep list of requirements to me.  Cobblestone and Misty are the only locations I can think of, other than <strong>pubic parks</strong>, that allow outside catering in Ann Arbor.  One possibility might be the old Leopold Brother's space on South Main Street; I know they rent it out, but I don't know about the catering details (and there is no outdoor space).
Posted by Meg1036[/QUOTE]

Tee hee hee, you said 'pubic'...

Anyway, I am from A2 and am getting married here. However, I can't really help you that much. You said the Botanical Garden doesn't allow outside catering... are you talking about Matthaei? Because they do! They don't even offer on-site catering. However, their reception space only holds 100 or so, so that probably won't work anyway. Cobblestone is a good suggestion, but if it's booked up, I guess that won't help. Any other venue I can think of doesn't allow outside catering!

 I agree about maybe a park, and I know that weddings/receptions have taken place at the Farmer's Market space in Kerrytown, but I have no idea how you would look into that. Here is a link that lists a few you might be able to look into: <a href="http://twofootcreative.com/2011/weddings-in-ann-arbor/" rel='nofollow'>http://twofootcreative.com/2011/weddings-in-ann-arbor/</a>

Good luck!

airkloske

Thanks for all the responses... yes I know I am being very picky!!

I thought the old Leopold space had been coverted to a nightclub-- but that would be neat if they rent it out. You are probably right about the gardens-- I think the problem was the guest count now that I think about it.

Anyways, sounds like I am going to have to either compromise on catering or think smaller! I'm glad to know I'm not missing anything obvious.

BrenLovesKevy

We are also looking for venues in the neighboring area.. PLUS we are on a budget.  Alot of Ann Arbor reception halls are 35.00 or more a head for dinning.  here is a list of a few beautiful and some more affordable places I have found:

Its a little out of Ann Arbor but Sharon Mills Park is beautiful and you can have your wedding there and reception.  I belive its considered Manchester area.

There is also Misty Farm which is in Ann Arbor.  You can have a wedding by the pond, in the garden or barn.  Its ideal for tents.

Manor House at concordia University on geddess rd in Ann Arbor.. up to 200 people.

Wellers in Saline - totally beautiful.  Can have wedding on the grounds in a few different spots and amazing rustic romantic hall.

Happy Hunting...